LEHI, Utah – Real Salt Lake defender Jamison Olave has obtained his US green card and will no longer be considered an international player on the roster, the team announced Thursday.

The hulking Columbian central defender joined Real Salt Lake prior to the 2008 season and received his green card in relatively short order, providing some needed relief to Real Salt Lake’s roster issues.

RSL have five international spots on their roster, but the news on Olave means the club now has one spot to work with if they wish to bring in an international player.

“We want to congratulate Jamison on this important step towards making Utah his long-term home,” RSL general manager Garth Lagerwey said in a statement. “From a club standpoint, this allows us more flexibility to acquire a player we feel fits into our roster as we push for a second straight MLS Cup and begin play in the upcoming CONCACAF Champions League.”